Here’s Why You Need to Try Lucali Pizza

While peers like Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, and Rihanna were attending the Grammy Awards in February 2012, Jay-Z and Beyoncé decided to skip the event and have dinner at their favorite pizza place instead – Lucali. This famous eatery in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, has been named one of the best restaurants in New York City many times over and is a neighborhood staple on Henry Street. Just a 15-minute drive from At Home In Brooklyn, a trip to this institution is a must when you’re in the area! Here are a few things you should know about Lucali Pizza.

History of Lucali Pizza

48-year old Mark Iacono, who grew up in Carroll Gardens and has lived there his entire life, is the brains behind Lucali. Before he opened the restaurant in 2006, Iacono had never made pizza before; now he is celebrated for his crunchy thin crust pies and decadent calzones. His goal starting out was to replicate the pizza he loved as a kid – the kind with a thin crust, a little cheese, and a little sauce. He believes that “a good New York slice trumps every kind of pizza.”

Intimate Atmosphere

The rustic, old-world feel of Lucali is charming and romantic, making this restaurant a frequent destination for anniversary dinners and marriage proposals. The details of the room are exceptional in a simple way, from brass chambersticks to the tin ceiling and pine floor. Guests can admire the glowing wood-burning oven as waitresses carry braided loaves of Italian bread and ladles of tomato sauce to customers.

Menu

Much like its decor, the menu at Lucali is simple and authentic. Guests can choose between small or large calzones and a $24 thin-crust pizza, made with dough hand-rolled by wine bottles and topped with tangy Italian tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil leaves. You can also add toppings like Portabello mushrooms, pepperoni, artichoke hearts, and onions. Lucali’s famous four-hour tomato sauce is an Iacono family secret and is made at three in the morning — even the restaurant staff doesn’t know the recipe!

Visiting Lucali

With its A-list clientele and impeccable eats, Lucali is a high-end dining establishment disguised as a pizza place. That means no reservations, no delivery, and no single slices – and be prepared to wait for a table for at least an hour. (We recommend walking around the block and grabbing a drink until the host gives you a call!) The restaurant is also BYOB and cash only, so be sure to grab your favorite bottle of wine before heading over.

Book Your Stay with At Home In Brooklyn!

Brooklyn is a mecca for incredible cuisine, and our Park Slope bed and breakfast is the perfect place to unwind after your culinary adventure! Our beautiful rooms and suites offer comfortable amenities and provide a peaceful, relaxing retreat in between bites. Plus, our convenient central location makes traveling to all of your favorite Brooklyn restaurants a breeze. We can’t wait to hear about your experience at Lucali Pizza!

For more information on the best NY eateries, including Franny’s Pizza and Kesté Pizza & Vino,
request a copy of our free Brooklyn vacation guide.